What part of speech is the word caring?

The word "caring" can be two parts of speech depending on how it's used:

* Adjective: Describing a person or their actions as showing concern or affection. For example, "She is a caring mother."

* Gerund: Acting as a noun, representing the act of showing care or concern. For example, "Caring for others is important."

It's important to consider the context to determine the correct part of speech.